Mutasim Baba | An-Najah National University (original) (raw)

Papers by Mutasim Baba

Buildings, May 4, 2024

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Lecture notes in networks and systems, 2024

Buildings

In response to Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to making pathways to... more In response to Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to making pathways to achieve carbon neutral buildings, this paper presents two real case studies. The paper first outlines the potential of trees to absorb CO2 emissions through photosynthesis, and the methods used for the estimation of their annual carbon sequestration rates. The net annual carbon sequestration rate of 0.575 kgCO2eq/m2 of tree cover area is considered in our study. Then, this paper presents the carbon life cycle assessment of an all-electric laboratory at Concordia University and of a single-detached house, both located in Montreal. The life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations were performed using two software tools, One Click LCA and Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings. The results in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) over 60 years for the laboratory were found to be 83,521 kgCO2eq using One Click LCA, and 82,666 kgCO2eq using Athena. For the single-detached house that uses natura...

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, May 5, 2022

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2021

The presented study aims to evaluate the effect of thermal mass in heavyweight construction in re... more The presented study aims to evaluate the effect of thermal mass in heavyweight construction in residential buildings in Palestine on indoor thermal environment using a building performance simulation tool. The most used residential building types, shapes and sizes were used as typical models for indoor environment performance simulation. The paper used a sensitivity analysis for four different scenarios according to the location of thermal insulation in the wall for two climatic zones, when no heating and cooling was used. The building material’s thermal properties, infiltration, activities, time schedule, electric lighting and glazing selection were based on onsite studies. The results show that the internal thermal mass of the studied buildings influences their thermal performance and future potential energy demand for heating and cooling. Buildings with insulation positioned on the outside, with high thermal mass and high thermal time constant showed the best thermal performance ...

IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 1989

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2019

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2019

Improving the overall performance of residential buildings means exploring and understanding user... more Improving the overall performance of residential buildings means exploring and understanding users' needs, expectations and aspirations, as these greatly affect human comfort, health and well-being. This paper investigates thermal comfort conditions, based on quantitative measurements of typical residential multi-story apartment buildings in Palestine, and a qualitative survey of inhabitants' satisfaction with the indoor environment of their apartments. From these data, average perceived comfort indices (APCI) were calculated. The survey shows that inhabitants of each building have different comfort conditions, especially in summer, according to the orientation of the space. Sunshine, air exchange and temperature are perceived as the most influential parameters for apartment comfort. Although the APCI shows a good level of comfort globally, most inhabitants very often feel hot in summer, mainly during the day, and cold in winter, mainly at night. Measurements confirm that inside air temperature always remains below 16°C in winter, below the comfort level. In summer, it remains between 25 and 32°C, outside the comfort zone. The perceived comfort level seems more related to the inhabitants' feeling of powerlessness than to real thermal conditions.

Energy and Buildings, 2015

Abstract The existence of thermal bridges in building envelopes affects the energy performance of... more Abstract The existence of thermal bridges in building envelopes affects the energy performance of buildings, their durability and occupants’ thermal comfort. Typically the effect of thermal bridges on the energy performance is taken into account by implementing an equivalent U-value in 1D whole building energy simulation program. This treatment accounts for the effect of thermal bridges on the overall thermal transmittance, while their thermal inertia effect is ignored. The presence of thermal bridges not only reduces the overall thermal resistance but also changes the dynamic thermal characteristics of the envelope. This paper investigates the dynamic effect of thermal bridges on the energy performance of residential buildings through simulations. A two-story residential building is used as a case study. Three methods, namely equivalent U-value method, equivalent wall method, and direct 2D/3D modeling method, are implemented in WUFI Plus, a whole building Heat, Air and Moisture (HAM) modeling program. Simulations are carried out for two climates with different insulation levels. Simulation results show that for the cold climate the annual heating load of this building with the inclusion of thermal bridges modeled using 3D dynamic method is 8–13% higher than that modeled using the equivalent U-value method, and 4–9% higher than that modeled using the equivalent wall method. With the increase of the insulation level, the percentage effect of thermal bridges on the heating load increases, while the difference among the three methods decreases. For the hot climate, simulation results show that the presence of thermal bridges increases the annual cooling load by 20%. Compared to the 3D dynamic method, the annual cooling load is underestimated by 17% using the equivalent U-value method and by 14% using the equivalent wall method, respectively.

The design, simulation and evaluation of an intelligent and integrated load management system is ... more The design, simulation and evaluation of an intelligent and integrated load management system is presented in this dissertation. The objective of this research was to apply modern computer and communication technology to influence customer use of electricity in ways that would produce desired changes in the utility's load shape. Peak clipping (reduction of peak load) using direct load control is the primary application of this research. The prototype computerized communication and control package developed during this work has demonstrated the feasibility of this concept. The load management system consists of a network of computers, data and graphics terminals, controllers, modems and other communication hardware, and the necessary software. The network of interactive computers divide the responsibility of monitoring of meteorological data, electric load, and performing other functions. These functions include: data collection, processing and archiving, load forecasting, load modeling, information display and alarm processing. Each of these functions requires certain amount of intelligence depending on the sophistication and complication of that function. Also, a high level of reliability has been provided to each function to guarantee an uninterrupted operation of the system. A full scale simulation of this concept was carried out in the laboratory using five microcomputers and the necessary communication hardware. An important and integral part of the research effort is the development of the short-term load forecast, load models and the decision support system using rule-based algorithms and expert systems. Each of these functions has shown the ability to produce more accurate results compared to classical techniques while at the same time requiring much less computing time and historical data. Development of these functions has made the use of microcomputers for constructing an integrated load management system possible and practical. Also, these functions can be applied for other applications in the electric utility industry and maintain their importance and contribution. In addition to that, the use of rule-based algorithms and expert systems promises to yield significant benefits in using microcomputers in the load management area.

ملخص شهدت السنوات الأخيرة محاولات عديدة من قبل وزارة التربية والتعليم في فلسطين لتحسين المباني ال... more ملخص شهدت السنوات الأخيرة محاولات عديدة من قبل وزارة التربية والتعليم في فلسطين لتحسين المباني المدرسية من خلال بناء مدارس تقترب من مواصفات وشروط المدارس الخضراء، لذا جاءت هذه الدراسة التحليلية والتقييمية التي ارتكزت على ثلاث جوانب أساسية، الجانب الأول تناول المدارس الحكومية وتطورها في عدة جوانب منها الأعداد والازدحام والتطور المعماري في الأبنية المدرسية منذ عام 1994 إلى اليوم، وأيضا التطور في التصميم الإنشائي ومواد البناء المستخدمة وهيكل البناء. أما الجانب الثاني ارتكز على تحديد مواصفات وشروط المدارس الخضراء استنادا إلى عدة مراجع ذات علاقة بالأبنية الخضراء بشكل عام وبالأبنية المدرسية الخضراء بشكل خاص وذلك من خلال الاطلاع على عدة معايير منها تخضير واستدامة موقع المدرسة وكفاءة استخدام المياه والطاقة والمواد والموارد وجودة البيئة التعليمية الداخلية. وفي الجانب الثالث، الجانب التحليلي من هذه الدراسة حيث تم تحليل ودراسة عينة من الأبنية المدرسية الرائدة بحسب وجهة نظر وزارة التربية والتعليم، وذلك استنادا على المعايير والمواصفات التي تطرقنا إليها بشكل مفصل في الجانب الثاني من هذه الدراسة. ...

IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 1989

IEEE Power Engineering Review, 1989

A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center ... more A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research to develop simple load models and a load forecast algorithm. The objective was to assist the electric cooperatives and electric utilities in the State of Virginia to reduce the capacity requirements and improve the system load factor. The authors' efforts resulted in the construction of an integrated load forecasting-load management (LFLM) simulator that can be used by electric cooperatives and electric utilities alike. Rule-based algorithms have been used for implementing various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch and intelligent databases. Also, this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose problems and take corrective ac...

2012 First International Conference on Renewable Energies and Vehicular Technology, 2012

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a proposal for solving the problem of frequent power cut-off and b... more ABSTRACT This paper introduces a proposal for solving the problem of frequent power cut-off and blackouts; mainly in summer, due to peak-limit exceeding in the West Bank. The idea is based on developing a smart grid that uses the wide spread ADSL Internet as a communication tool. An embedded control unit (ECU) is used for data collection of power consumption, communication and control of end user loads. In addition to its ability to convert regular prepaid digital meters into smart meters, it has the ability to perform different scenarios of demand side management for reducing total consumption at peak hours, and hence preventing the harsh penalty of total blackout for the local power distributer.

A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center ... more A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research to develop simple load models and a load forecast algorithm. The objective was to assist the electric cooperatives and electric utilities in the State of Virginia to reduce the capacity requirements and improve the system load factor. Our efforts resulted in the construction of an integrated load forecasting-load management (LFLtvl) simulator that can be used by electric cooperatives and electric utilities alike. Rule-based algorithms have been used for implementing various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch and intelligent databases Also. this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose problems and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. The load management simulator consists of a central unit, remote unit and data sources. Five microcomputers, six moiiitors, two dot-matrix printers, four modems and a terminal are the main components of the systeni. The central unit consists of an IBM-RT/PC microcomputer and its communication accessories, The value of this paper lies in the design techniques, method of implementation and performance evaluatlon of the siniulator. control. Two necessary requirernents for answering these questions are-t h e load model and the load forecast. Rule-based algorithms have been used for iniplenienting various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch, and intelligent databascs. Also, this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose probleins and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. Software interfaces aiid communication programs have been developed to enhance the system's ability to exchange information and data files with other (non-corn pat i bl e) s yste ms , This paper primarily dcals with the description and perrorrnance of the simulator. The software design and er,-or analysis of the forecast are provided in a companion paper by Rahrnan and Baba [I]. Additional inforniation about the rule-based algorithm used in this paper is provided in Rahman and Bhatnagar 121.

A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center ... more A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research to develop simple load models and a load forecast algorithm. The objective was to assist the electric cooperatives and electric utilities in the State of Virginia to reduce the capacity requirements and improve the system load factor. Our efforts resulted in the construction of an integrated load forecasting-load management (LFLtvl) simulator that can be used by electric cooperatives and electric utilities alike. Rule-based algorithms have been used for implementing various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch and intelligent databases Also. this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose problems and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. The load management simulator consists of a central unit, remote unit and data sources. Five microcomputers, six moiiitors, two dot-matrix printers, four modems and a terminal are the main components of the systeni. The central unit consists of an IBM-RT/PC microcomputer and its communication accessories, The value of this paper lies in the design techniques, method of implementation and performance evaluatlon of the siniulator. control. Two necessary requirernents for answering these questions are-t h e load model and the load forecast. Rule-based algorithms have been used for iniplenienting various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch, and intelligent databascs. Also, this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose probleins and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. Software interfaces aiid communication programs have been developed to enhance the system's ability to exchange information and data files with other (non-corn pat i bl e) s yste ms , This paper primarily dcals with the description and perrorrnance of the simulator. The software design and er,-or analysis of the forecast are provided in a companion paper by Rahrnan and Baba [I]. Additional inforniation about the rule-based algorithm used in this paper is provided in Rahman and Bhatnagar 121.

Buildings, May 4, 2024

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY

Lecture notes in networks and systems, 2024

Buildings

In response to Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to making pathways to... more In response to Canada’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and to making pathways to achieve carbon neutral buildings, this paper presents two real case studies. The paper first outlines the potential of trees to absorb CO2 emissions through photosynthesis, and the methods used for the estimation of their annual carbon sequestration rates. The net annual carbon sequestration rate of 0.575 kgCO2eq/m2 of tree cover area is considered in our study. Then, this paper presents the carbon life cycle assessment of an all-electric laboratory at Concordia University and of a single-detached house, both located in Montreal. The life cycle assessment (LCA) calculations were performed using two software tools, One Click LCA and Athena Impact Estimator for Buildings. The results in terms of Global Warming Potential (GWP) over 60 years for the laboratory were found to be 83,521 kgCO2eq using One Click LCA, and 82,666 kgCO2eq using Athena. For the single-detached house that uses natura...

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, May 5, 2022

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2021

The presented study aims to evaluate the effect of thermal mass in heavyweight construction in re... more The presented study aims to evaluate the effect of thermal mass in heavyweight construction in residential buildings in Palestine on indoor thermal environment using a building performance simulation tool. The most used residential building types, shapes and sizes were used as typical models for indoor environment performance simulation. The paper used a sensitivity analysis for four different scenarios according to the location of thermal insulation in the wall for two climatic zones, when no heating and cooling was used. The building material’s thermal properties, infiltration, activities, time schedule, electric lighting and glazing selection were based on onsite studies. The results show that the internal thermal mass of the studied buildings influences their thermal performance and future potential energy demand for heating and cooling. Buildings with insulation positioned on the outside, with high thermal mass and high thermal time constant showed the best thermal performance ...

IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 1989

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2019

Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 2019

Improving the overall performance of residential buildings means exploring and understanding user... more Improving the overall performance of residential buildings means exploring and understanding users' needs, expectations and aspirations, as these greatly affect human comfort, health and well-being. This paper investigates thermal comfort conditions, based on quantitative measurements of typical residential multi-story apartment buildings in Palestine, and a qualitative survey of inhabitants' satisfaction with the indoor environment of their apartments. From these data, average perceived comfort indices (APCI) were calculated. The survey shows that inhabitants of each building have different comfort conditions, especially in summer, according to the orientation of the space. Sunshine, air exchange and temperature are perceived as the most influential parameters for apartment comfort. Although the APCI shows a good level of comfort globally, most inhabitants very often feel hot in summer, mainly during the day, and cold in winter, mainly at night. Measurements confirm that inside air temperature always remains below 16°C in winter, below the comfort level. In summer, it remains between 25 and 32°C, outside the comfort zone. The perceived comfort level seems more related to the inhabitants' feeling of powerlessness than to real thermal conditions.

Energy and Buildings, 2015

Abstract The existence of thermal bridges in building envelopes affects the energy performance of... more Abstract The existence of thermal bridges in building envelopes affects the energy performance of buildings, their durability and occupants’ thermal comfort. Typically the effect of thermal bridges on the energy performance is taken into account by implementing an equivalent U-value in 1D whole building energy simulation program. This treatment accounts for the effect of thermal bridges on the overall thermal transmittance, while their thermal inertia effect is ignored. The presence of thermal bridges not only reduces the overall thermal resistance but also changes the dynamic thermal characteristics of the envelope. This paper investigates the dynamic effect of thermal bridges on the energy performance of residential buildings through simulations. A two-story residential building is used as a case study. Three methods, namely equivalent U-value method, equivalent wall method, and direct 2D/3D modeling method, are implemented in WUFI Plus, a whole building Heat, Air and Moisture (HAM) modeling program. Simulations are carried out for two climates with different insulation levels. Simulation results show that for the cold climate the annual heating load of this building with the inclusion of thermal bridges modeled using 3D dynamic method is 8–13% higher than that modeled using the equivalent U-value method, and 4–9% higher than that modeled using the equivalent wall method. With the increase of the insulation level, the percentage effect of thermal bridges on the heating load increases, while the difference among the three methods decreases. For the hot climate, simulation results show that the presence of thermal bridges increases the annual cooling load by 20%. Compared to the 3D dynamic method, the annual cooling load is underestimated by 17% using the equivalent U-value method and by 14% using the equivalent wall method, respectively.

The design, simulation and evaluation of an intelligent and integrated load management system is ... more The design, simulation and evaluation of an intelligent and integrated load management system is presented in this dissertation. The objective of this research was to apply modern computer and communication technology to influence customer use of electricity in ways that would produce desired changes in the utility's load shape. Peak clipping (reduction of peak load) using direct load control is the primary application of this research. The prototype computerized communication and control package developed during this work has demonstrated the feasibility of this concept. The load management system consists of a network of computers, data and graphics terminals, controllers, modems and other communication hardware, and the necessary software. The network of interactive computers divide the responsibility of monitoring of meteorological data, electric load, and performing other functions. These functions include: data collection, processing and archiving, load forecasting, load modeling, information display and alarm processing. Each of these functions requires certain amount of intelligence depending on the sophistication and complication of that function. Also, a high level of reliability has been provided to each function to guarantee an uninterrupted operation of the system. A full scale simulation of this concept was carried out in the laboratory using five microcomputers and the necessary communication hardware. An important and integral part of the research effort is the development of the short-term load forecast, load models and the decision support system using rule-based algorithms and expert systems. Each of these functions has shown the ability to produce more accurate results compared to classical techniques while at the same time requiring much less computing time and historical data. Development of these functions has made the use of microcomputers for constructing an integrated load management system possible and practical. Also, these functions can be applied for other applications in the electric utility industry and maintain their importance and contribution. In addition to that, the use of rule-based algorithms and expert systems promises to yield significant benefits in using microcomputers in the load management area.

ملخص شهدت السنوات الأخيرة محاولات عديدة من قبل وزارة التربية والتعليم في فلسطين لتحسين المباني ال... more ملخص شهدت السنوات الأخيرة محاولات عديدة من قبل وزارة التربية والتعليم في فلسطين لتحسين المباني المدرسية من خلال بناء مدارس تقترب من مواصفات وشروط المدارس الخضراء، لذا جاءت هذه الدراسة التحليلية والتقييمية التي ارتكزت على ثلاث جوانب أساسية، الجانب الأول تناول المدارس الحكومية وتطورها في عدة جوانب منها الأعداد والازدحام والتطور المعماري في الأبنية المدرسية منذ عام 1994 إلى اليوم، وأيضا التطور في التصميم الإنشائي ومواد البناء المستخدمة وهيكل البناء. أما الجانب الثاني ارتكز على تحديد مواصفات وشروط المدارس الخضراء استنادا إلى عدة مراجع ذات علاقة بالأبنية الخضراء بشكل عام وبالأبنية المدرسية الخضراء بشكل خاص وذلك من خلال الاطلاع على عدة معايير منها تخضير واستدامة موقع المدرسة وكفاءة استخدام المياه والطاقة والمواد والموارد وجودة البيئة التعليمية الداخلية. وفي الجانب الثالث، الجانب التحليلي من هذه الدراسة حيث تم تحليل ودراسة عينة من الأبنية المدرسية الرائدة بحسب وجهة نظر وزارة التربية والتعليم، وذلك استنادا على المعايير والمواصفات التي تطرقنا إليها بشكل مفصل في الجانب الثاني من هذه الدراسة. ...

IEEE Transactions on Power Systems, 1989

IEEE Power Engineering Review, 1989

A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center ... more A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research to develop simple load models and a load forecast algorithm. The objective was to assist the electric cooperatives and electric utilities in the State of Virginia to reduce the capacity requirements and improve the system load factor. The authors' efforts resulted in the construction of an integrated load forecasting-load management (LFLM) simulator that can be used by electric cooperatives and electric utilities alike. Rule-based algorithms have been used for implementing various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch and intelligent databases. Also, this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose problems and take corrective ac...

2012 First International Conference on Renewable Energies and Vehicular Technology, 2012

ABSTRACT This paper introduces a proposal for solving the problem of frequent power cut-off and b... more ABSTRACT This paper introduces a proposal for solving the problem of frequent power cut-off and blackouts; mainly in summer, due to peak-limit exceeding in the West Bank. The idea is based on developing a smart grid that uses the wide spread ADSL Internet as a communication tool. An embedded control unit (ECU) is used for data collection of power consumption, communication and control of end user loads. In addition to its ability to convert regular prepaid digital meters into smart meters, it has the ability to perform different scenarios of demand side management for reducing total consumption at peak hours, and hence preventing the harsh penalty of total blackout for the local power distributer.

A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center ... more A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research to develop simple load models and a load forecast algorithm. The objective was to assist the electric cooperatives and electric utilities in the State of Virginia to reduce the capacity requirements and improve the system load factor. Our efforts resulted in the construction of an integrated load forecasting-load management (LFLtvl) simulator that can be used by electric cooperatives and electric utilities alike. Rule-based algorithms have been used for implementing various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch and intelligent databases Also. this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose problems and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. The load management simulator consists of a central unit, remote unit and data sources. Five microcomputers, six moiiitors, two dot-matrix printers, four modems and a terminal are the main components of the systeni. The central unit consists of an IBM-RT/PC microcomputer and its communication accessories, The value of this paper lies in the design techniques, method of implementation and performance evaluatlon of the siniulator. control. Two necessary requirernents for answering these questions are-t h e load model and the load forecast. Rule-based algorithms have been used for iniplenienting various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch, and intelligent databascs. Also, this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose probleins and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. Software interfaces aiid communication programs have been developed to enhance the system's ability to exchange information and data files with other (non-corn pat i bl e) s yste ms , This paper primarily dcals with the description and perrorrnance of the simulator. The software design and er,-or analysis of the forecast are provided in a companion paper by Rahrnan and Baba [I]. Additional inforniation about the rule-based algorithm used in this paper is provided in Rahman and Bhatnagar 121.

A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center ... more A research project was initiated at Virginia Tech through the sponsorship of the Virginia Center for Coal and Energy Research to develop simple load models and a load forecast algorithm. The objective was to assist the electric cooperatives and electric utilities in the State of Virginia to reduce the capacity requirements and improve the system load factor. Our efforts resulted in the construction of an integrated load forecasting-load management (LFLtvl) simulator that can be used by electric cooperatives and electric utilities alike. Rule-based algorithms have been used for implementing various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch and intelligent databases Also. this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose problems and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. The load management simulator consists of a central unit, remote unit and data sources. Five microcomputers, six moiiitors, two dot-matrix printers, four modems and a terminal are the main components of the systeni. The central unit consists of an IBM-RT/PC microcomputer and its communication accessories, The value of this paper lies in the design techniques, method of implementation and performance evaluatlon of the siniulator. control. Two necessary requirernents for answering these questions are-t h e load model and the load forecast. Rule-based algorithms have been used for iniplenienting various functions of the simulator. The major elements are: 24-hour load forecast, water heater and air conditioner load models, direct load control dispatch, and intelligent databascs. Also, this system has been provided with adequate amount of intelligence such that it is able to make the right decisions, revise and update its rules and factors, diagnose probleins and take corrective actions without the need for operator intervention in most situations. Software interfaces aiid communication programs have been developed to enhance the system's ability to exchange information and data files with other (non-corn pat i bl e) s yste ms , This paper primarily dcals with the description and perrorrnance of the simulator. The software design and er,-or analysis of the forecast are provided in a companion paper by Rahrnan and Baba [I]. Additional inforniation about the rule-based algorithm used in this paper is provided in Rahman and Bhatnagar 121.